Max Verstappen during previews ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP. Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

Toto Wolff Says Max Verstappen’s Daughter Lily Could Be a Marketing Dream for F1

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated May 3, 2025 1:13 AM ET

Max Verstappen’s recent transition into fatherhood has not only captured the attention of fans worldwide but also sparked discussion about the future of Formula 1. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, reflecting on the birth of Verstappen’s daughter, Lily, with partner Kelly Piquet, shared insights into the potential impact of this new addition to the F1 family.

Wolff, who has an 8-year-old son involved in karting, understands the emotional complexities of nurturing young talent in motorsport. He remarked, “I have an 8-year-old that’s go-karting, and I think Max knows you don’t want to put yourself emotionally through that rollercoaster—at least that’s what he said.”

However, Wolff also emphasized the importance of increasing female participation in Formula 1. He stated, “We need more girls and women in Formula 1… and that girl, if she were to call herself Piquet-Verstappen, that’s also great for marketing.”

The combination of two illustrious racing lineages—Piquet and Verstappen—presents a compelling narrative for the sport’s future. Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, and Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion himself, have created a legacy that could inspire a new generation of racers.

As F1 continues to evolve, embracing diversity and inclusivity becomes paramount. The prospect of Lily Verstappen entering the racing world not only symbolizes the sport’s rich heritage but also its progressive stride towards a more inclusive future.

While it’s too early to predict Lily’s path, the mere possibility ignites excitement and hope among fans and stakeholders alike.

toto wolff on lily becoming a female driver in f1:

“i have an 8-year-old that's go-karting, and i think max knows you don't want to put yourself emotionally through that rollercoaster - atleast that’s what he said. but then, we need more girls and women in formula 1 [..] and… pic.twitter.com/uJmP0AbFRx
— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) May 2, 2025

As Wolff aptly noted, the union of the Piquet and Verstappen names could indeed be a marketing dream, propelling Formula 1 into a new era of representation and appeal.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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